John A. Murrell

John Andrews Murrell was one of Tennessee's most notorious Pre Civil War bandits. He was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia, but migrated with his family to Williamson County, Tennessee shortly after. It is believed that his father, a Methodist minister, died shortly after coming to Tennessee. His mother opened up a hotel, and taught her son to steal from the guests. Murrell became so good at theft, that he could steal a hotel guest blind, without arousing them. He became a master at picking locks. His mother's influence eventually came back to bite her. One night Murrell stole fifty dollars out of the family funds, and headed to Nashville. He did not even make it to Nashville before he committed his next act of lawlessness. Along the road he met a livestock trader from South Carolina, who had come to the area to purchase some hogs. The man made the mistake of telling Murrell that he had decided not to make the purchase. After gaining the trust of the man, Murrell waited until the time was right before robbing the man. He stunned him with a lead weighted whip, took the money, totaling $1,262, and threw the man's body down a ravine. The man did not die however, but Murrell made sure to murder future victims. He became most famous for being a slave thief. By the time his career was over, he claimed that he had stolen over one hundred slaves. He would sell these slaves through networks in cities such as Nashville and New Orleans. It is rumored that Murrell almost set off a slave uprising, where he instructed the slaves to kill their masters. This never happened however, and there is no evidence that suggests Murrell ever attempted to do this. Murrell was able to gain much wealth due to his lawless deeds. He was often seen on fine horses, wearing fancy cloths. He was frequently seen spending time in cities such as Natchez, Mississippi and New Orleans. He would lure victims in while on the road by posing as a preacher. He would conduct "soul saving" services, as well as business deals. These business deals often involved the use of counterfeit money. His lawlessness continued until he met up with a man named Virgil Stewart. Stewart's sole objective was to gain Murrell's trust, then turn him in to the law. He was able to convince Murrell to take him to one of his secret hideout's in Arkansas, where police were waiting for them. Morrell was arrested, taken to Nashville to stand trial, and sentenced to ten years in the Tennessee State Penitentiary. He confessed to every crime he had committed, except murder. While in prison, Murrell was required to learn a new trade. He took up blacksmithing. When his sentence was up, he went to Pikeville, Tennessee and opened up a blacksmith shop. He only lived nine months after his release, passing away on November 21, 1844 at the age of 38, due to tuberculosis. Murrell is a great example of someone that was able to make the most of a second chance at life.

John A. Murrell is entombed in the Smyrna First United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The grave was looted shortly after his death and various body parts were stolen, with some never recovered. 

Historical marker located in Pikeville, Tennessee.

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